Things to Do in Southeast Asia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Southeast Asia
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season across Thailand's Andaman coast, Myanmar, and western regions - you'll get consistent sunshine with minimal rain interruption for beach and island activities. December typically sees less than 50mm (2 inches) of rainfall in Phuket, Krabi, and Ngapali Beach.
- Comfortable temperatures for temple exploration and city walking - mornings in Angkor Wat, Bagan, and Luang Prabang start around 23°C (73°F), perfect for sunrise visits before the heat builds. The cooler evenings around 25°C (77°F) make night markets and outdoor dining actually pleasant.
- Festival season across the region - you'll catch genuine cultural events rather than tourist-oriented shows. Loy Krathong sometimes extends into early December, and Christmas celebrations in Catholic areas like the Philippines and parts of Vietnam create interesting cultural crossovers.
- Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - December typically offers 20-30m (65-100 ft) underwater visibility in the Similan Islands, Komodo, and around Palawan. The plankton bloom has passed, water temperatures sit comfortably at 27-29°C (81-84°F), and marine life is active.
Considerations
- Peak season pricing and crowds at major destinations - accommodation rates in Bali, Phuket, and Siem Reap can run 40-60% higher than shoulder season. Popular temples like Angkor Wat see 8,000-10,000 daily visitors in December versus 4,000-5,000 in May. You'll need to book quality hotels at least 6-8 weeks ahead.
- Eastern coast and island destinations still experiencing monsoon conditions - Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, southern Vietnam beaches, and parts of the Philippines get 150-200mm (6-8 inches) of rain in December. Ferries to eastern Thai islands can be rough or occasionally cancelled, and beach days are unreliable.
- Air quality issues in northern cities - Chiang Mai, Hanoi, and Bangkok occasionally experience PM2.5 levels above 100 during December, though it's not as severe as the February-April burning season. Worth checking air quality apps during your trip and having indoor backup plans for hazy days.
Best Activities in December
Similan Islands diving and snorkeling expeditions
December sits right in the sweet spot of the Similan season, which only runs October through April. The monsoon rains have cleared out, underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (80-100 ft), and you'll encounter manta rays, whale sharks, and healthy coral systems. Water temperature around 28°C (82°F) means you're comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit. The islands close May-October, so December is actually your best month before Chinese New Year crowds arrive in January-February.
Bagan temple sunrise cycling routes
December mornings in Bagan start around 15°C (59°F), warming to 28°C (82°F) by midday - perfect for cycling between temples before the heat becomes uncomfortable. The Irrawaddy River is at ideal levels for viewing, dust is minimal compared to the March-May dry season, and sunrise at 6:15am means you're not waking at 4am like you would in summer months. Afternoons get warm but not the 38°C (100°F) you'd face in April-May.
Angkor Archaeological Park temple circuits
December temperatures in Siem Reap peak around 30°C (86°F) rather than the brutal 38°C (100°F) of April-May, and morning starts at 23°C (73°F) make the sunrise crowds at Angkor Wat tolerable. You'll still sweat, but it's manageable. The moats are full from recent rains, making reflection photos actually work, and the surrounding forest is green rather than the dusty brown of late dry season. That said, expect 2,000-3,000 people at Angkor Wat for sunrise.
Halong Bay overnight junk boat cruises
December in Halong Bay brings cooler temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F) and occasional misty conditions that actually enhance the dramatic karst scenery - though you'll want layers for evening deck time. The summer typhoon season is completely finished, seas are calmer, and you avoid both the intense humidity of summer and the occasional cold snaps of January-February. Visibility ranges 5-15km (3-9 miles) depending on mist, which creates atmospheric photography conditions.
Bangkok street food walking circuits
December evenings in Bangkok cool to 25-27°C (77-81°F), making the 6pm-midnight street food scene comfortable rather than the sweaty endurance test of April-May. The Chinese New Year food stalls haven't arrived yet, so you're experiencing regular local operations rather than tourist-oriented vendors. Yaowarat Road, Phra Athit, and the Thonglor sois are at their best. Rain chances drop to maybe 2-3 days in the month, so evening plans rarely get disrupted.
Northern Thailand hill tribe trekking routes
December offers the coolest trekking conditions in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son - daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F), nighttime dropping to 12-15°C (54-59°F) in mountain villages. The monsoon mud has dried out, leeches are minimal, and mountain views are clearest before the February-April burning season creates haze. Rice terraces are green from recent harvest season, and hill tribe villages are accessible without the July-October trail washouts.
December Events & Festivals
Loy Krathong aftermath and local celebrations
While the main Loy Krathong festival typically falls in November, some regions hold extended celebrations into early December, particularly in northern Thailand and Laos. You'll see lingering decorations and occasional local krathong floatings in smaller towns, though without the massive tourist crowds. Worth asking locals about specific village celebrations if you're traveling in the first week of December.
Myanmar Kayin New Year
The Kayin ethnic group celebrates their traditional new year in late December, particularly visible in Hpa-An and Kayin State. Expect traditional music, dance performances, and local markets selling special foods. This is a genuine cultural event rather than a tourist attraction, so you'll experience authentic celebrations if you're in the region.
Christmas and New Year festivities in Catholic regions
The Philippines, parts of Vietnam, and areas of East Timor hold elaborate Christmas celebrations throughout December. You'll find midnight masses, decorative displays, and special markets. Coastal areas like Goa and parts of Malaysia also celebrate, creating an interesting cultural blend. New Year's Eve sees major celebrations in Bangkok, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City with fireworks and street parties.